Ye Morning Beauties! Three Poems From The French. Poem by Linda Hepner

Ye morning beauties with your lowered gaze
Go out to breathe the avenue's fresh breeze.
Beware! In hidden alleys, Love keeps watch
And has you smartly in his sights.

A passing priest, his eyes cast down so modestly
Pretends his thoughts are elsewhere, as he should.
Beware! He nods benignly at a flower girl
And takes her rose while eyeing you.



The Masqued Ball

The Masqued Ball causes more than one mistake.
Damis, in love, on his knees,
Believes the hand he's kissing is Cephise;
He gets the sweetest thrill.

But is it she? It's Daphne whom he loves.
He's worshipping the one he will betray.
We'll all be mortified like her some day,
Betrayed against our will.

Boudoir!

Boudoir! No entry! Your brain,
Why not enjoy it from afar?
At least let your deep thoughts
Work to teach you to sleep.


Freely translated from aphorisms on faded 18th Century French prints.